New Jersey Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Are you looking for an opportunity that will allow you to step out and assume a greater role in your career? If you are a nurse interested in being a leader in healthcare, going back to school for your Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) may be the route to the opportunities that you are seeking. Find out how earning your Master’s degree in New Jersey may be able to help you excel in your nursing career.
BestNursingDegree.com can help you locate and compare the top online and campus-based masters programs in the nation. From traditional MSN programs to RN to MSN programs, New Jersey nurses can find several degree routes to choose from. With the growth of reputable online programs, there are more options than ever for students wanting to pursue master’s level nursing degrees. It’s a good idea to request information from multiple programs to choose the right one.
Benefits of Earning an MSN
Understanding how a Master’s of Science in Nursing can help improve your career and your community is the first step in considering if it’s right for you. The MSN is a graduate degree designed for registered nurses seeking to further their career in the healthcare industry. The MSN allows you to focus on a specialized area of interest which could include: acute care, neonatal, pediatric, adult, family, geriatrics, palliative care, psychiatric, obstetrics or gynecological nursing.
Not only will it prepare you for advanced practice nursing, but it can also be preparatory for a wide range of careers such as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, clinical research coordinator, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, public health nurse, or nursing education instructor. In New Jersey, advanced practice nurses are required to have a Master’s Degree in order to practice in these roles.
New Jersey needs more master’s-prepared nurse educators and nurse managers. Like many states, New Jersey is in the midst of a nursing shortage, but according to the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, the state’s nursing schools currently turn away more than half of all qualified applicants because the schools lack the faculty to teach them. New Jersey’s schools of nursing could benefit from decreasing the faculty vacancy rate, as experts predict that even more positions will go unfilled in the future. When current faculty members retire there will be even more vacancies to fill – unless more nurses head back to school and prepare for a career in nursing education.
New Jersey also needs nurse managers who are educated in management and leadership. A recent survey by the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing found that almost half of New Jersey nurses rate their immediate manager as “poor.” Part of the problem may be that many current nurse managers lack any formal management education. Some nurse managers lack even a BSN degree, much less a master’s degree, leaving a great deal of effectiveness to be learned on the job. A MSN degree with a focus on leadership or nursing administration can better prepare nurses to effectively manage and lead nursing teams.
Finally, there is no denying the role that recent healthcare reform efforts may have on New Jersey’s healthcare system. With healthcare legislation passed that improves access to healthcare, there is a gap left in the quality of healthcare. Because there are not enough doctors available to treat every patient, the demand for nurses with a MSN degree will be greater. In the future, many advanced practice registered nursing programs in New Jersey will be transitioning to the requirements of the Doctor of Nursing Practice, so there is no better time to get your Master’s Degree in Nursing than now. Select those MSN programs below that you are interested in and request more information today.
Tips for Picking a School to Earn Your MSN
Understanding what program to choose is the second step in considering if a Master’s of Science in Nursing is right for you. The Direct Entry MSN or Accelerated MSN programs are common choices for nursing students. Both of these programs offer direct admission into graduate nursing if you already have obtained a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. Not only are you building upon your current degree, but you can also become a valuable addition by bringing your specialized knowledge and expertise to the nursing profession.
Your course of study with a Direct Entry MSN will be similar to that of an Accelerated BSN program. Many of your general education and science courses that you have previously completed will be transferred. A typical scope of program includes your first year focuses on entry-level nursing coursework, and the remaining two years is a combination of advanced master’s training and coursework, including preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination test.
This program is designed so you can complete the requirements for your BSN degree prior to entering your specialization so that you may be able to gain experience and a general understanding of the nursing profession. The direct entry MSN program is likely to take three years to complete, but once you have completed it your hard work will have paid off, and the rewards you will benefit from your career are endless.
If you are already an RN and are looking to continue your education by beginning graduate studies, there are RN to MSN bridge programs that are available to you. The RN to MSN degree program expands your possibilities by building upon your experience as a registered nurse. This degree typically takes around 2 years to complete. Many programs have pre-requisites such as a registered nurse license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and clinical experience; however, this varies by program.
Some of the most common MSN programs include:
- Master’s Case Management/Health Administration
- Master’s Health System Administration
- Master’s in Nursing Leadership
- MA in Nursing Education
- Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master’s prepared School Nurse
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Anesthetist Programs
The MA in nursing education is designed for the nurse that already has a master’s degree but wants to teach. You can chose between hospital nursing education, community health and other departments of higher nursing education.
The MSN Health System Administration program prepares graduates for leadership positions in healthcare organizations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for MSN Students in New Jersey
Tuition can be expensive for getting your Master’s of Science in Nursing, but don’t let that discourage you as there are many programs available that may help you with the costs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has a page dedicated to financial aid resources that may be of benefit to you. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also has a page for loans and scholarships that is worth checking out. Another possible resource for financial help would be through your employer. Many health organizations are in need of nurses with advanced practice care and have programs set up to help with the cost of tuition. You can also apply for our quarterly BestNursingDegree.com Nursing Scholarship.
Careers for Master’s in Nursing Graduates in New Jersey
There are various opportunities in New Jersey for nurses with a master’s level degree. Healthcare demands continue to increase, and mid-level practitioners positions are growing. There is a need for nurse educators, administrators, practitioners, clinical nurse specialist and community health practitioners. These NPs in NJ now have the authority to prescribe medication as long as they in collaborating with a physician.
Administrative positions, whether a director of a hospital or a manager of a pediatric unit, have that are higher than those typically earned by RNs without a master’s degree. As in all states salaries are commiserate with expanded education in specialty areas.
Certified nursing midwives enjoy an average salary of $99,000 and higher according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their job goes beyond the birthing role, and they give gynecology care as well, performing routine gynecology exams.
There are several routes you can take when it comes to earning your MSN, so be sure to request at much information as you can from schools, to ensure you make the best decision for your nursing future.
Use BestNursingDegree.com to find the right master’s program and take the next step in your nursing career. Request information from both campus based and online programs to get started today.
MSN programs for New Jersey nurses include:
- Thomas Edison State University. Located in Trenton, Thomas Edison State University offers MSN degrees in nursing education and nursing administration, as well as nursing informatics. MSN classes are offered online.
- Seton Hall University. Seton Hall also offers online MSN education. The school offers typical MSN degrees for would-be nurse practitioners, nurse educators and nurse administrators. It also offers a unique MSN degree in school nursing and clinical nurse leader program designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
